Hey there, beauty boss! Whether you’re a seasoned makeup artist or just starting to grow your brand, nailing your hashtag game is like finding the perfect shade of foundation—it can take your visibility from “meh” to magical! Let’s dive into how you can slay those hashtags and get your work noticed. 🎯
Step 1: Know Your Audience
First things first—who are you talking to? Are you trying to attract brides for wedding makeup? Or maybe you’re showcasing bold editorial looks to snag collaborations with photographers?
Tip: Create a quick profile of your ideal client. Example: “Bride-to-be, 25-35, loves soft glam, planning a spring wedding.”
This will help you choose hashtags that align with your audience’s vibe.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Using only popular hashtags like #makeupartist or #MUA is like wearing the same eyeshadow every day. Sure, it works, but you’re not standing out.
Use a blend:
High-traffic hashtags (e.g., #makeuplook, #bridalmakeup)
Niche hashtags (e.g., #softglambride, #indieweddingvendor)
Location-based hashtags (e.g., #NYCmakeupartist, #AustinMUA)
Tip: Check how many posts a hashtag has. Aim for a mix of super popular (millions of posts) and niche (5k-50k posts) to hit the sweet spot.
Step 3: Research Like a Pro
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—borrow some inspo from others in your industry.
Spy on similar accounts: Check out hashtags that successful MUAs in your niche are using.
Use tools: Apps like Hashtag Expert or websites like Display Purposes can generate hashtag ideas for you.
Follow the trends: Keep an eye out for seasonal or event-related hashtags (think #HalloweenMakeup in October or #BridalSeason in spring).
Step 4: Create Your Hashtag Arsenal
Think of hashtags as your trusty makeup brushes—you need the right ones for the job. Keep a “go-to” list handy.
Daily Posts: A mix of general beauty hashtags + niche ones.
Portfolio Highlights: Location-based and service-specific tags.
Trending Posts: Stay relevant by using hashtags tied to current trends or challenges (e.g., #2025MakeupTrends).
Tip: Save your hashtag sets in your phone’s Notes app so you can copy and paste them easily. 💡
Step 5: Test, Tweak, Repeat
Hashtags aren’t a one-and-done deal. You need to experiment and see what’s working.
Track your reach: Use Instagram Insights to see which hashtags are driving traffic to your posts.
Switch it up: Don’t use the same set for every post—rotate them to keep things fresh.
Drop the duds: If certain hashtags aren’t performing, swap them out for new ones.
Tips
Don’t Overload: Stick to 15-20 hashtags per post (yes, Instagram allows 30, but quality > quantity).
Avoid banned hashtags: Some seemingly innocent tags, like #beautyblogger, might be flagged by Instagram. Do a quick search before using.
Get creative in Stories: Add 3-5 hashtags in your Stories—shrink them down and hide them behind stickers or GIFs if you want a cleaner look.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re posting a dreamy soft glam look for a bridal client:
Post Caption: “Soft glam dreams for this gorgeous bride-to-be! 🌸💍 If you’re planning your wedding, DM me for bookings—let’s make magic happen! #bridalmakeup #softglam #NYCmakeupartist #weddingglam #2025bride”
Hashtag Breakdown:
High-traffic: #bridalmakeup
Niche: #softglambride
Location: #NYCmakeupartist
Trendy: #2025bride
Remember, hashtags are just one piece of the puzzle. Pair them with stunning photos, engaging captions, and regular posting to really boost your visibility. Now go out there, work your magic, and let those hashtags do the heavy lifting. 💄✨
P.S. Don’t forget to come back and share your success story—I’d love to hear all about it! 🥂
